$RPL Rocket Pool is navigating a complex transition. While the price has faced significant headwinds compared to its all-time highs, the protocol is undergoing its most radical fundamental shift yet with the Saturn upgrade.
Here is a detailed analysis of where RPL stands today.
📊 Market Snapshot (February 2026)
Current Price: ~$1.73 – $1.79
Market Cap: ~$38.4M
Circulating Supply: 22.2M RPL
Sentiment: Generally Bearish/Neutral (Extreme Fear Index: 8-24)
Historical Context
RPL is currently trading roughly 97% below its 2023 peak of $61.90. Over the last year, it has seen a decline of about 77%, reflecting a broader shift in how the market values liquid staking governance tokens.
🛠 Fundamental Catalyst: The "Saturn" Upgrade
The biggest driver for RPL in 2026 is the Saturn One upgrade (launched/launching Feb 2026). This isn't just a minor patch; it redefines the token's economics:
Megapools & 4 ETH Bonds: Previously, node operators needed 8 ETH to start a minipool. Saturn lowers this to 4 ETH, drastically lowering the barrier to entry and potentially increasing the demand for RPL (which is used as mandatory insurance collateral).
The "Fee Switch": Historically, RPL rewards came from inflation (5% annually). Saturn introduces Revenue Sharing, where RPL stakers can earn a portion of the protocol's ETH revenue. This shifts RPL from an inflationary token to a productive, ETH-accruing asset.
Inflation Reduction: Later in 2026, the protocol plans to phase out inflationary emissions, which should reduce constant sell pressure from node operators.